Each year, pizza witnesses new flavor trends, and the year 2023 is no different. At NeutraView, we are always on the lookout for what's trending among pizza connoisseurs worldwide. Below is a list of the top pizza toppings that are gaining attention in the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health is now a priority in the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as unexpected toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a rich, fermented zest, balancing the creamy flavors of cheese and traditional sauce. These toppings are not just tasteful but also healthful, offering probiotic perks and novel texture contrasts on the classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our establishment boasts in-house prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and creamy gorgonzola, drizzled with artisanal honey to temper the zesty edge. Though it may seem peculiar at first, this pizza is gaining rapid popularity among our special offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement towards plant-based diets keeps gaining momentum, leading to an increased demand for pizzas topped with savvy meat substitutes. These aren't just the traditional veggie toppings but a newer breed of plant-derived proteins that also appeal to staunch carnivores.
Items like crumbled vegan Italian sausage, spicy seasoned tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni slices have made their way onto our regular offerings. Such proteins cater to a broad audience, with many customers selecting them for their distinct taste profiles and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Types
Pizza enthusiasts that favor a bit of heat are celebrating the inclusion of peculiar chili types over the usual crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be fan favorites, other varieties such as the smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Aleppo pepper, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also making names for themselves.
The Global Heatwave pizza integrates a blend of these chilies, each lending its individual taste notes to the pizza's different sections. This offering has particularly resonated with our patrons inclined towards culinary exploration.
4. Seasonally Foraged Add-ons
The push from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza is in full swing with the growing penchant for seasonally foraged components. Wild mushrooms are at the forefront, with sought-after kinds like chanterelles and morels popping up in peak seasons.
We've also experimented with wild rangy leeks, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These wildcrafted ingredients help patrons connect with nature and introduce irreplicable flavors to our pizzas.
5. Unique Honey Drizzle Variations
The interplay of sweet and savory with honey as a topping has proven to be a lasting practice. The trend has evolved with the introduction of a multitude of distinctive honey types that are drizzled atop pizzas just before serving.
Among these, truffle honey, aged garlic honey, honey with a hint of mesquite smoke, and other innovative infusions are being spotted on pizza menus nationwide. These drizzles not only add complexity but also transform simple pizzas into superior gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that narrowly missed our top list but deserve attention include:
- Cured egg yolks, fine-grated over pizza for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits with an emphasis on orchard gems like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains such as crunchy farro or puffy sorghum for added texture
- Rich, artisanal butter varieties, including cultured or herb-infused
No matter if you're a staunch supporter of the time-honored classics or a thrill-seeker keen on novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At NeutraView, we revere the classics while wholeheartedly welcoming newfangled creations, ensuring that our menu caters to all flavors, from the iconic Margherita to avant-garde masterpieces.
Have you sampled any of the trending toppings of late, or is there a unique personal combination you'd love to see us whip up? Share your thoughts in the comments, or better yet, on your next visit!